Former Seaville Fire Department Treasurer Admits to Stealing From Company

The former treasurer of the Seaville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, whose dismissed chief was accused in September of stealing funds from it, pleaded guilty to stealing about $19,000 by using fire company funds to reimburse himself for personal expenses, Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman announced on Thursday.

Michael Petrella, 26, of Seaville, pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree misapplication of entrusted property.

As part of the plea agreement, the Division of Criminal Justice recommended 364 days in jail.

Petrella will pay restitution in the amount of $19,308.18 to the fire company

He also will be permanently barred from holding public employment.

Sentencing for Petrella is scheduled for Feb. 27, 2015.

Petrella joined the fire company in 2006, and was named treasurer in 2010.

He admitted that from 2010 to 2013, he fraudulently used fire company funds to reimburse himself for personal expenses, including beer, diapers and assorted personal items.

Petrella had purchased these items, kept the receipts and then issued fire company checks to himself to cover the cost.

The crime was uncovered during an investigation into former chief Eugene Spiegel and his son, Jacob.

Eugene Spiegel, 51, and Jacob Spiegel, 20, were indicted on allegations of receiving payments of approximately $46,000 based on fraudulent invoices and receipts in September.

“Public corruption comes in many forms, but this particular case is concerning because it was possible that Petrella’s scam could have gone undetected for a long period had the fire company not become suspicious of its chief and then stumbled onto its treasurer’s misdeeds,” Hoffman said. “Petrella betrayed the trust of his community and fellow volunteers by using the public safety organization’s funds as a personal checking account.”

“As treasurer, Petrella abused his position to steal fire company funds by writing checks to himself,” Division of Criminal Justice Director Elie Honig said. “We will continue to prosecute public corruption in all its forms to ensure that those entrusted to protect the public’s safety faithfully execute their responsibilities.”

Eugene and Jacob Spiegel allegedly submitted the receipts and invoices to the fire company and Upper Township Fire Commissioners.

Eugene Spiegel is accused of stealing $44,722. He resigned on Jan. 15.

Jacob Spiegel is accused of stealing $1,275. He was suspended for 30 days and terminated in April.

Petrella’s crime does not appear to be related to those committed by the Spiegels, according to the Division of Criminal Justice.

The attached image of Michael Petrella was provided by the Attorney General’s Office.